Brewers have punch, but bullpen woes cost them a return to postseason

MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Brewers were able to make up for Prince Fielder's lost firepower.

The trouble for the team that reached the NLCS last season was in the bullpen. The Brewers blew 19 saves when leading after eight innings a year ago. That number jumped to 29 blown saves and a whopping 11 leads lost this season, with John Axford and Francisco Rodriguez struggling at times.

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General manager Doug Melvin added several offensive weapons to alleviate the loss of Fielder to the Tigers. Third baseman Aramis Ramirez finished with an NL-leading 50 doubles while batting .300 with 105 RBIs.

And Ryan Braun, the NL MVP last season, led the league with 41 home runs and 107 runs scored while batting .319 with 112 RBIs and 30 stolen bases.